RSV ~ Luke 13 Notes

Lk 13:1-5 | ISB Notes

Jesus uses current events to teach spiritual truths. While neither Pilate’s bloodshed (13:1) nor the Siloam tower incident (13:4) is known outside the NT, both examples are used to stress the urgency of repentance. Jesus even denies what many in his day affirmed, i.e., that God permits only grievous sinners to suffer violent deaths (Job 31:3; Prov 10:24). To reject, or even neglect, Christ’s call for repentance is to gamble with disaster (Heb 2:3).

Lk 13:6-9 | ISB Notes

The fig tree represents Old Covenant Israel (Jer 8:13; Hos 9:10). Although God found no fruits of repentance, he was patient and gave them an ample three years to accept their Messiah (Rom 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9). The impenitence of Jerusalem would later bring divine judgment upon the city (19:41-44; 20:9-19; 21:6). See note on Mk 11:13.

Lk 13:11 | ISB Notes

a spirit of infirmity: There is sometimes a close link between demonic oppression and physical ailments, with the former being the unseen cause of the latter (4:40-41; 8:35; 9:38-39).

Lk 13:16 | ISB Notes

whom Satan bound: If hypocrites untie even their livestock on the Sabbath to feed them, they should be more willing to see a woman loosed from her bondage to the devil on the same day (CCC 342). After all, the sabbath is for everyone: oxen, donkeys, and the daughters of Israel (Deut 5:14). The Sabbath’s deepest significance as a day of rest and refreshment makes it the most appropriate day for Jesus to relieve burdens from the oppressed (Mk 2:27). See note on Lk 6:1.

Lk 13:18-21 | ISB Notes

The parables of the mustard seed (13:19) and the leaven (13:21) describe the growth of God’s kingdom, which begins small and unnoticed but expands to sanctify the entire world (CCC 2660). See notes on Mt 13:32 and 13:33.

Lk 13:24 | ISB Notes

the narrow door: Salvation depends first on God’s grace, then on our cooperation and obedience (Eph 2:8-10; Phil 2:12-13). Jesus here stresses the difficulties of the spiritual life, where few will enter God’s glory while the door remains open (Mt 22:14). See note on Mt 7:13.

Lk 13:27 | ISB Notes

depart from me: Although heirs to the kingdom, the impenitent of Israel will be shut out from God’s blessings (Mt 21:43; Rom 2:9).

Lk 13:28 | ISB Notes

weep and gnash: The suffering of the damned. .

Lk 13:29 | ISB Notes

east … west … north … south: Christ invites his family from the ends of the earth to celebrate with the patriarchs.

• Jesus evokes OT prophecies that depict Yahweh regathering the exiled children of Israel from the four points of the compass (Ps 107:3; Is 11:12; 43:5-6). The celebration banquet will include Israelites and Gentiles in the one family of God (24:47; Rev 5:9). See note on Lk 1:33.

Lk 13:31 | ISB Notes

Get away from here: Jesus was probably in Perea, the region governed by Herod Antipas directly east of the Jordan river. Herod’s mixture of animosit

y and curiosity (9:9) was left unsatisfied until Jesus’ trial (23:8). See note on Mk 6:14.

Lk 13:32 | ISB Notes

that fox: Herod was known for his shrewdness. the third day: The Father’s predetermined plan enables Jesus to escape harm before fulfilling his mission (4:29-30; Jn 7:30; 10:39).

Lk 13:34 | ISB Notes

O Jerusalem: Jesus laments the hardened impenitence of the Holy City (19:41-44). As a prop

het (13:33), he anticipates the same suffering and martyrdom that befell countless others before him (11:49-51; Rev 18:24) (CCC 557-58). See note on Mt 23:37. How often: John’s Gospel indicates that Jesus made several visits to Jerusalem before Passion Week (Jn 2:13; 5:1; 7:10; 10:22).

Lk 13:35 | ISB Notes

your house is forsaken: God has withdrawn his presence and favor from the earthly Jerusalem.

• Jesus alludes to Jer 12:7 and 22:5, where the abandoned house represent

s both the Temple and city of Jerusalem. As in Jeremiah’s day, God’s evacuation of the city will soon be followed by its violent destruction (19:41-44; 21:6). Blessed is he: A citation from Ps 118:26, later connected with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem (19:38).